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Saturday, June 23, 2012

Key Trend from Las Vegas Couture Show June 2012: The Silver Cuff-Plus

American Estate Jewelry reports a strong showing of silver cuffs from the June 2012 Couture Show, the annual jewelry event hosting 300 of the finest couture jewelers. A key trend in silver bracelets was the silver cuff-plus. The plus comes from uncommon mix-ins of gold touches, precious stones and nature-inspired texture. American Estate Jewelry offers an extensive collection of silver cuffs plus, all made in the U.S.A.

Based on trends from the June 2012 Las Vegas Couture Show, American Estate Jewelry reports a strong growth of interest in the silver cuff. The annual jewelry event, exclusively hosting the top 300 U.S. couture retail jewelers, revealed a new appeal of silver cuffs-plus. The plus means that, though the bracelets are made largely of silver, designers are now taking a fresh approach, adding precious stones, gold touches and nature-inspired textures. As July 4th draws near, consumers can enjoy cuffs-plus from American Estate and feel pride knowing they are made in America.

At the Couture Show, precious stones were featured in designs by Katie Decker, such as an openwork sterling cuff with white sapphires, retailing for $1,563. Lauren Harper won a Couture Design Award for her matte sterling cuff rimmed with moonstones and white topaz in three bands.

Tiny Jewel Box, one of America's top couture jewelers, favors American Estate's handcrafted, exquisitely detailed Chrysanthemum Cuff with Cabochon Sapphires for $750 and its Bamboo Cuff with Natural Turquoise for $920. The Bamboo cuff and accompanying pieces are also available with large, faceted natural crystal quartz. Particularly popular in DC is American Estate's Cherry Blossom Cuff with Pink Tourmalines.

Silver cuffs-plus were also featured in Buccellati's couture collection. Its blossom cuff with gold exterior touches, made in Italy, is offered at Bloomingdale's in NYC for $1,300. Works Gallery, also on the upper East side of Manhattan, showcases The Three Bloom Peony Cuff, handcrafted by Galmer in America. Created using the rare repousse' technique, the cuff features three plump sculptural blooms, gold textured centers and romantic openwork, for $750. As part of the American Estate collection, all made in the USA, Galmer has also touched 24K gold on the exteriors of The Wild Iris Cuff and The Touch of Gold Peony Cuff. Additionally, the Galmer signature is a 24K gold lining inside every cuff in the collection.

Smooth silver cuff surfaces were not in evidence at the Couture Show. Instead, the textures of nature were abundant in Buccellati's collection as they are in American Estate pieces. Buccellati's vine leaf cuff for $1,200 features tiny same-sized leaves forming a geometric impression. Galmer's Vineyard Cuff recently introduced by American Estate for $725 also features natural textures, and openwork between large grape leaves beautifully veined. The Palm Cuff features sensuous linear detail.

In the past, the Couture show was dominated by gold and large gemstones. Now luxury silver is welcomed due to exquisite design and expressiveness. Silver designers' creativity and experimentation is allowed, in part, by the lower cost of silver vs. gold. Why the silver cuff? Carolyn O'Keefe, founder of American Estate Jewelry, offers two reasons. First, the bold elegance fits the American woman's confident style. And, second, O'Keefe notes, "The silver cuff is an American legacy."

In the 1900's the American Stieff Company created its classic repousse’ rose cuff by rolling sterling silver over a molded surface. Today Tiffany offers its cherubic cuffs created by the same technique using original molds from the turn of the century. Galmer revives this tradition with changes today’s women seek. It’s the classic American cuff done several notches better with a snug, more comfortable fit, tapered edges, a higher, sturdier silver weight, sophisticated floral designs and the new "plus" features so popular at Couture.

Both period pieces and diamonds produced exceptional
results as highlighted by theauction’s
top seller, an exquisite Art Deco diamond pendant necklace by Cartier. The
necklace brought $325,000 and features a pear-shaped diamond, weighing 7.93
cts., accompanied by a GIA certificate, stating that the diamond is F color,
VS1 clarity.

Other Art Deco pieces that brought excellent
results include a Tiffany & Co. cushion-cut diamond ring weighing 3.92 cts.
which sold for $142,200, and a platinum star sapphire and diamond ring that
brought $15,405. A unique set of five Art Deco platinum and gem-set acrostic
stacking rings set with a square-cut diamond, cabochon emerald, cabochon
amethyst and fancy cut ruby also performed well, bringing in $22,515.

Colored
Stones

Top-quality colored stones realized extraordinary
prices. An outstanding example was an antique Kashmir sapphire and diamond
ring, set with a cabochon sapphire weighing 9.92 cts., accompanied by an AGL
report and a Gubelin report stating Kashmir origin, with no evidence of heat
treatment. This exquisite gem sold for an impressive $189,600, surpassing its
presale estimate high of $50,000.

Other top-performing colored stones include a
bezel-set sapphire and diamond ring that sold for $36,735 and an emerald and
diamond brooch that brought $22,515.

Natural Pearls

Natural pearl necklaces have been in great demand
recently. The June 12th sale featured a five-strand natural pearl
necklace with an emerald and diamond clasp that auctioned for $77,025 and a
double strand natural pearl necklace that brought $56,880.

Skinner, Inc. will hold its next Fine Jewelry
auction on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 in its Boston gallery. For information on consignment, please
contact the Skinner Fine Jewelry department at (617) 874-4305 or jewelry@skinnerinc.com.

About Skinner

Skinner,
Inc. is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art.
With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the
interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve
world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal
services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the
auction business. Skinner’s appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV
series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American
Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Works of Art, European
Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics,
Fine Silver, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of
Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets,
American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles,
Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and
Marlborough, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit
Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.

I have been planning this series of blog posts since the Tucson Gem Show where I had the privilege of getting to know some extremely talented Gem Cutters...well I have finally found the time!

We are going to talk to and feature the work of some of the most important Gem Cutters of our time, but before we get started with that we need some information so we can assess the work we will be seeing in the weeks to come.

So - let's get this ball rolling with a couple of videos by John Dyer.

First up - we are going to learn to distinguish a Well Cut Gem from a Poorly Cut Gem.

I love John's Tutorials because he is so easy to follow and can convey technical info with out losing his audience.

Now that you have the knowledge to chose a cut gem - lets look at a brief explanation of what goes into cutting a gem.

I will be featuring John Dyer and his work in a future post but I want to give you a little information. I always want to know why I am listening to what someone has to say...

"John Dyer has achieved the highest pinnacles of success in gem cutting despite – or perhaps because of – his modest nature. Free of the bounds of arrogance and self-importance, he pursues beauty for beauty’s sake. Along the way, he’s won multiple American Gem Trade Association Cutting Edge Awards. And the 25-year-old has done it all since embarking on the colored gem path less than a decade ago.

“That kid is so young and so talented,” says Gary Dulac of Gary Dulac Goldsmiths, Vero Beach, FL. “When we met at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows just a few years ago, I was impressed with the quality of his work and his humble, open personality. He has come to know my needs and invariably recommends a gem that works perfectly with my designs.”

Other jewelers share Dulac’s enthusiasm. Don Fane, goldsmith for Robert Giede Designs, Menomonie, WI, says Dyer’s gems are easy to set because they’re perfectly symmetrical and that they’re so well polished they look exceptional in jewelry."

The very next year in 2005 John swept the entire Faceting Category at the AGTA Cutting Edge Awards...and has walked to the podium to collect an Award every year since. John has through all the accolades, managed to maintain his integrity and humility, always willing to offer helpful tips and support to new cutters.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

This Saturday, June 23rd, Michael Stars will be hosting an afternoon of wine, appetizers and custom-key engraving in support of the Giving Keys.

Guests will be able to purchase a blank key and chain and the Giving Keys staff will be available in-store to hand-engrave an inspiring word of the shopper’s choice onto the key.

Each custom necklace is available for $38 and helps to employ the homeless.

The Giving Keys are meant to be worn for awhile and then passed on at some point to a person whom you feel could benefit from the message on the key.

See you this Saturday (June 23rd) from 12-2pm and bring your friends!

You know this story, it has been on the local news...

About The Giving KeysI met this sweet homeless couple on Hollywood Blvd who have had a really tough life. After falling in love with their hearts, and how hard they're working to try and change their lives, I had an "Ah-Ha moment." I realized they were the missing link to The Giving Keys. So I asked them to be my business partners. After all, the whole concept is PAYING IT FORWARD.

About The CauseProceeds go to keeping Cera & Rob off the streets and in transitional homes and programs that will educate them so they are able to earn a "living wage". Once we complete that goal, we will use the extra money to donate to the shelters & transitional homes that were most effective in supporting Cera & Rob.

Jewelry Television and Gem-A Partner to Educate Consumers on the World of Gemstones

Jewelry Television® (JTV), the nation’s leading broadcast retailer of jewelry and loose gemstones, has entered into an agreement with The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) to develop a proprietary course for the shopping retailer called ‘Gem Basics’. The online course will introduce consumers to a wide variety of gems and explain the basics of gemology and gem identification. The course also covers gem origins and lore, and will include a basic kit of gem identification tools and a selection of gems.

JTV’s ‘Gem Basics’ provides an entry-level course for beginners and hobbyists, but also provides a stepping stone for more-advanced studies through The Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

“Gemstones play an important role in our culture,” said Jerry Sisk, graduate gemologist and co-founder of JTV. “As the largest retailer of loose gemstones in the world, we felt a strong obligation to take a leadership role in the education of our viewers as well as the general consumer. To that end, we developed an extensive Learning Library and made the decision to partner with one of the world’s most respected gemological institutions. It is our express belief that a better-educated consumer will make more well-informed decisions, and will purchase with greater confidence. JTV’s ‘Gem Basics’ provides an entry-level course for beginners and hobbyists, but also provides a stepping stone for more-advanced studies through The Gemmological Association of Great Britain. This is a win-win opportunity for the consumer and JTV.”

Gem-A currently offers a range of courses that result in internationally recognized gem qualifications. The development of the Gem Basics Course has been overseen by Dr Jack Ogden, Gem-A CEO and a well-known authority in the gem and jewelry field.

“As the first retailer in the world to sell loose gemstones on television, JTV’s extensive reach has increased the appetite for loose gemstones and colored gemstone jewelry among consumers,” said Ogden. “Gem-A is pleased to help further JTV’s mission of opening the world of gem knowledge to a wider audience.”

Gemology is the science of gems. It encompasses the methods of formation as well as the study of properties and characteristics necessary for classification and identification. Intended for gem collectors, enthusiasts and industry professionals, the Gem Basics course encourages continued learning and a deeper understanding of the beauty and precision of nature.

Sisk went on to say, “As the longest established gemological institution in the world, Gem-A has an international reputation for excellence and we are honored to be associated with them.”

To learn more about Jewelry Television® and the Gem-A courses, please visit http://www.jtv.com.

About Jewelry Television®Jewelry Television® (JTV) is the only broadcast shopping network that focuses exclusively on the sale of jewelry and gemstones. The privately-held company was founded in 1993 and broadcasts high definition programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to more than 80 million households in the U.S. Jewelry Television® was recently ranked the 14th largest retailer of jewelry in the U.S. by National Jeweler. JTV.com is the fifth largest jewelry destination on the internet according to Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide for 2010. For more information, visit JTV.com.

About The Gemmological Association of Great BritainThe Gemmological Association of Great Britain or Gem-A, a London-based non-profit organization is the world’s longest established provider of gem education. A membership organization that forms an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts, Gem-A seeks to serve the best interests of the gem and jewelry industries worldwide through its commitment to supporting gemological research and the highest educational and trade standards. For more information, visit http://www.gem-a.com.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

#WordlessWednesday is reserved for the few elite DesignLines that have that distinct look - when you see a piece you know immediately who designed it. When Jewelry is this beautiful - words get in the way! MIIORI is one of those brands.The name is a play on the Latin for My Love and MIIORI is my newest love...Enjoy!

CARLSBAD, Calif. – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has announced the appointments of Amit Dhamani, CEO and managing director of Dhamani Jewels Group, and Thomas Insley, CFO of Intrepid Therapeutics, Inc. to its Board of Governors. Both were inducted at GIA’s May 2012 biannual board meeting in Hong Kong.

“A warm welcome to Amit and Thomas as they join an extraordinary group of global leaders in furthering GIA’s mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry,” said Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA. “Their combined expertise will help us continue to grow; to deliver unbiased, third-party evaluation of gemstones; and to provide world-class gemological education and instruments.”

Dhamani is a second-generation jeweler with extensive experience in Europe, the Middle East and India. Coupled with his background in the colored stone and diamond wholesale business, his vision for the development of the retail gem and jewelry industry has made him an authoritative figure in the international arena. He holds an executive diploma in business administration from Harvard Business School and is the president of the GIA alumni chapter in the Gulf.

Insley has spent the past 10 years as CFO of three different companies, both public and private, and has 29 years of prior experience at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with five of those years as a managing partner. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Scripps Research Institute and of the Corporate Directors Forum.

“Our governors bring expertise from their diverse backgrounds. Amit is a visionary jewelry retailer with a firm grounding in best business practices and Thomas has an exemplary record of leadership as an executive and board member of public companies and nonprofit institutions,” said Susan Jacques, GIA board chair and president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Green Gem Foundation is a fledging organization composed of a group of artists and gemstone dealers making a grassroots effort and working cooperatively towards a common goal.

The goal is defined as connecting the artists and dealers in gem producing countries with the consumer.

This sustainable model is the future of the gem trade. It is already happening. Across Africa the values of sold stones in the West are now widely known — Internet access has provided a level playing field.

The model of exporting raw materials then marking those materials up is changing, and will continue to change. At the consumer level it's the added ethical component that shows true sustainability — it is a message understood at the gut level.

The Green Gem approach is simple we are working to add value at the source. We are not concentrating on giving back programs, training, or any approach that does not support this increased added value. We are interested and will address a need if we see it, but our emphasis is to help to provide direct market access thus supporting infrastructure by bringing more cash into the country. Not through the hands of a few but through everyone's hands at all levels. Cash provides sustainability — it comes without conditions, it arrives direct.

The gemstone market is huge. We recognize that we represent one small sphere of influence. The traditional flow of gems will continue for some time, but with increased market access this tradition will change.

As we continue to organize as a company, moving forward, more and more people are stepping up. Green Gem is currently a non-profit — and while we are working toward our charitable 501(c)3 status donations to us are not yet tax-deductible. The organization is looking for committed individuals to bring unique talents to the table. We are past the core planning stage and the work lies ahead.

Let us know how you would like to get involved, you can reach us through our website.

Montblanc Hosts
International Gala Event to Celebrate the Official Opening of Montblanc’s New and Biggest Concept Store in the World

VIP guests Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts,

Nicolas Cage and
Amber Heard

The
Luxury Maison Montblanc launched its new
four storey flagship store with an epic and unique celebration in the heart of
Sanlitun in Beijing, China on June 1st, 2012. The innovative and imposing Montblanc concept store, being Montblanc’s biggest flagship boutique in the world, invites
visitors and friends of the brand to discover the world of Montblanc’s masterpieces
in an interactive and involving way.

International
guests such as actors Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts, Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard and award-winning
actor Maggie Cheung joined the exclusive festivity. As part of the exquisite
opening concept, the illustrious guests enjoyed the presentation of the highly
acclaimed Montblanc “Collection
Princesse Grace de Monaco”, a superb tribute to the timeless elegance of Grace Kelly.

The
evening retraced Princess Grace’s evolution from Hollywood icon to the adoring
wife of HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco. On the doorstep of the new Montblanc
concept store, guests were transported to the historic streets of Europe’s
prestigious principality of Monaco, recreated in China’s capital for one night
only. Moreover, digital surprise appearances by Hollywood legends like Marilyn
Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Elvis Presley made the event an outstanding
celebration of beauty, splendour and delight.

Montblanc’s flagship store in Beijing, China

With
a focus on design and contemporary art, the new concept store offers a unique
shopping experience to both Montblanc devotees and those new to the brand,
presenting inspiring timepieces,
writing
instruments, fine
jewellery, leather
goods, accessories and limited
editions in a sophisticated setting. With an interactive journey through the
store, Montblanc will bring to life its heritage, craftsmanship and pioneering
spirit in more than 100 years of excellence.

This video offers a fascinating behind the scenes look at the creation of the Montblanc Concept Store in Beijing and the Opening Gala.

Europe’s highest mountain Mont Blanc, with its snow-covered peak and six glacier tongues served the three founding fathers as an inspiration. Today, it has become a symbol of perfection, achievement and quality.

For over 100 years Montblanc has been known as a maker of sophisticated, high quality writing instruments. In the past few years, the product range has been expanded to include exquisite writing accessories, swiss-made watches, leather goods, jewellery, eyewear and fragrances. Creating classic objects of timeless aesthetics and long lasting value Montblanc prides itself in balancing between traditional craftsmanship and innovation.

Social commitment and cultural engagement is at the heart of Montblanc’s brand philosophy; its wide-ranging cultural programmes include different international activities that each contribute in their own way to the cultural life of society.

The invitation only event started with a Cocktail Reception and was followed by the AwardsPresentation, Dinner and Entertainment.

The Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association is a not-for-profit organization comprising of diamantaires, colored stone dealers and jewelry manufacturers from India based in the United States of America. The name of the association is reflective of what our members can deliver for their customers. Innovation – Exhibited through creative ideas and inventive solutions.Determination – To always put the customer first.Clarity – In all our business dealings.Ability – To service the customer’s every need.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

CARLSBAD, Calif. – U.S. military veterans will have access to new scholarships for advanced gemological education as part of GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) 2013 international scholarship program. The scholarship application period begins today and will run through Oct. 31. A wide range of other scholarships are also available for on-campus and distance education programs, as well as lab classes.

The 2013 application period marks the debut of the GIA Scholarship Fund for U.S. Veterans. Multiple scholarships for the Accredited Jewelry Professional degree through GIA’s eLearning distance education program are available. To qualify, applicants must include proof of U.S. military service, including reservists and National Guard personnel.

“GIA created this scholarship fund to honor our courageous veterans and to help those interested in a career in the gem and jewelry industry,” said Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA. “It is an honor for us to offer scholarships to U.S. military veterans.”

Also available for the first time this year is the Dr. Geoffrey Smith Scholarship for students who previously participated in a GIA Junior Gemologist™ class, which introduces gemology to fourth through 12th graders and meets U.S. curriculum guidelines. Dr. Smith is a long-time GIA volunteer who created the fund as an incentive for Junior Gemologist students passionate about gemology to consider it as a career path.

Additional international scholarships for on-campus, distance education and lab classes are available. On-campus locations include Bangkok, Carlsbad, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan. Students can apply for all scholarships online and indicate an interest in a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from lab and jewelry manufacturing arts to those that go toward a Graduate Gemologist diploma.

“Our goal is that scholarship recipients will one day excel in their chosen fields,” said Bev Berthoty, institute relations manager at GIA. “As professionals, this group will further GIA’s mission of ensuring the public’s trust in gems and jewelry.”

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.